COUNTY ORGANIZED: 1858

COUNTY NAMED FOR: Antonio Zapata, a local rancher and military man.

COUNTY SEATS: One - Zapata. The name of the town was changed from Carrizo to Bellville in 1858. In 1898 the name was permanently changed to Zapata. The town site was relocated to higher ground upon the completion of Falcon Dam in 1953.

COUNTY SEAT NAMED FOR: Same as the county.

COURTHOUSES: Four - 1874, 1901, 1953, 2006, and 2006

STANDING: Two -

• The 1901 courthouse is still standing at the bottom of Falcon Reservoir.
• 2006 Modern courthouse built of brick. The 1953 building was razed to make room for the new courthouse.